{"id":10509,"date":"2025-04-09T21:58:33","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T21:58:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/?p=10509"},"modified":"2025-04-23T17:52:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T17:52:41","slug":"fake-product-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams (Fake Stores, Products &amp; Marketplace Fraud)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Online shopping&nbsp;scams&nbsp;are growing&nbsp;as&nbsp;more and more&nbsp;people opt to do their shopping over the internet. Social media is a perfect opportunity to market products&nbsp;to&nbsp;people everywhere. However, minimal barriers to how a product can be sold have&nbsp;led to a surge in online shopping fraud. Cybercriminals now use these platforms to promote fraudulent products directly to millions of users with the intention to exploit them.&nbsp;As&nbsp;with any&nbsp;scam, awareness drastically lowers your chances of becoming a victim.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These online shopping&nbsp;scams&nbsp;target high-volume shopping periods. Public holidays, flash sales, and seasonal promotions are the favorite events of the scammers.&nbsp;This threat is only one part of a big ecosystem of internet sales&nbsp;scams.&nbsp;Scammers use a variety of platforms to target unsuspecting buyers.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;important to understand how these&nbsp;scams&nbsp;work, how to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;them,&nbsp;and how to report them. Understanding the basics of online shopping security is&nbsp;very important&nbsp;to protect others and yourself while shopping online.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-online-shopping-scams\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Online_Shopping_Scams\"><\/span>What Are Online Shopping Scams?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Online shopping scams are based on fraudulent offers. Criminals use different shopping offers on social media channels to deceive consumers into purchasing fake, bogus, or misrepresented products. These scams utilize social media platforms, fake e-commerce websites, and peer-to-peer marketplaces. Scammers use compromised or fraudulent seller accounts on well-known retail platforms to scam customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These schemes are not limited to fake products or the absence of product delivery. Online shopping scams work at an advanced level of fraud to redirect payments and create subscription traps. AI-generated product scams are now popular. Health product scams that promise unrealistic results have become a popular fake product in online shopping scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-online-shopping-scams-work\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_online_shopping_scams_work\"><\/span>How do online shopping scams work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Online shopping scammers are adopting a predictable pattern to attract social media users, including social media ads, posts, and direct messages that are sent to the potential victims. These social media ads and offers create a sense of urgency and put pressure on victims to release the payment quickly. After getting the payment, they don\u2019t send the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Rising Tide of Fake Product Scams\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uHInvao1v1M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-types-of-online-shopping-scams\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Types_of_Online_Shopping_Scams\"><\/span>Common Types of Online Shopping Scams<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics with the advancement of technology and digital services, and online shopping scams are no exception. Perpetrators take advantage of their victims\u2019 desires for convenience and trust in popular platforms, using the technology at their disposal to create deceptive advertisements. These schemes can take on many forms, but the following online shopping scams are most frequently seen by our experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fake-product-scams-on-social-media\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fake_Product_Scams_on_Social_Media\"><\/span>Fake Product Scams on Social Media<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Scammers typically look to move quickly and use ads or sponsored posts to spread the message to a large audience in a short window. There are minimal restrictions as far as who can create an ad or sponsored post, making it an attractive tool for scammers. In an effort to quickly gain credibility, cybercriminals often impersonate legitimate brands to draw victims in. This allows the perpetrator to overprice their items, steal your information, or take your payment without ever shipping the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure>\n  <picture>\n    <!-- Mobile image -->\n    <source \n      srcset=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Common_Types_of_Online_Shopping_Scams-1-scaled.jpg\"\n      media=\"(max-width: 767px)\"\n    >\n\n    <!-- Desktop fallback (required) -->\n    <img decoding=\"async\" \n      src=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Common_Types_of_Online_Shopping_Scams-scaled.jpg\"\n      alt=\"Common Types of Online Shopping Scams\"\n      style=\"width:100%; height:auto;\"\n    >\n  <\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-marketplace-and-resale-platform-scams-amazon-ebay-facebook-tiktok\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Marketplace_and_Resale_Platform_Scams_Amazon_eBay_Facebook_TikTok\"><\/span>Marketplace and Resale Platform Scams (Amazon, eBay, Facebook, TikTok)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Marketplace sales scams are very dangerous for online shopping activities because they exploit the trust of users on renowned platforms. The scammers may hijack seller accounts and create fake storefronts to pose as legitimate vendors. In other cases, they post fake listings similar to legitimate products to attract victims. These scams are very common on different popular platforms, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/software\/amazon-scams\/\">Amazon<\/a>, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, TikTok Shop, and similar resale platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-subscription-and-free-trial-scams\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Subscription_and_%E2%80%9CFree_Trial%E2%80%9D_Scams\"><\/span>Subscription and \u201cFree Trial\u201d Scams<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another very popular technique being used by scammers is promoting fraudulent free trial offers or low-cost subscriptions on online shopping platforms. They may reach out to you with phishing messages posing as legitimate companies and ask you to renew your subscription or update your payment information. Due to limited knowledge or a lapse in judgment, the victim agrees. This \u201csubscription\u201d is then used by the scammers to capture the financial details of the victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ai-and-health-product-scams-online\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"AI_and_Health_Product_Scams_Online\"><\/span>AI and Health Product Scams Online<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The latest of these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/combating-ai-scams\/\">scams include AI<\/a> and health products. In these types of scam, the scammers are using fabricated testimonials, manipulated images, and overstated claims to promote \u201cmiracle\u201d medical products. For example, the perpetrator may offer medical products for rapid weight loss and miracle cures. In other cases, they may be advertising advanced AI-powered devices that do not exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-fake-product-scams-operate-on-social-media\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Fake_Product_Scams_Operate_on_Social_Media\"><\/span>How Fake Product Scams Operate on Social Media<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/online-blackmail\/social-media-blackmail-scams\/\">Social media scams<\/a> come in various forms. However, fake product scams are especially dangerous because most victims can never recover the money that they lost. One of the key elements to online shopping fraud is establishing credibility, which is the purpose of using legitimate social media platforms to promote their fake products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-tactics-used-by-product-scammers-on-social-media\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Tactics_Used_by_Product_Scammers_on_Social_Media\"><\/span>Common Tactics Used by Product Scammers on Social Media<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fake ads and sponsored posts for cheap or luxury items.<\/strong> Scammers are typically not patient, and they use ads or sponsored posts to quickly find victims. There are not a lot of limitations on who can create an ad or sponsored post, so staying vigilant is important.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/software\/online-impersonation-scams\/\">Impersonation<\/a> of legitimate brands and sellers.<\/strong> Attempting to quickly gain credibility, cybercriminals often impersonate legitimate brands to draw victims in. This allows the perpetrator to overprice their items, steal your information, or take your payment without ever shipping the product.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use of fake reviews and testimonials to build credibility.<\/strong> Reviews and testimonials are primarily how you can identify a fake product. However, sophisticated scammers will create fake reviews to make themselves look credible to consumers.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Direct messaging with too-good-to-be-true offers.<\/strong> It is a good practice to approach any offer online that is too good to be true as a potential scam. You should verify the seller, visit the main website of the product, or avoid taking the risk entirely.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Requesting payments through untraceable methods like gift cards or crypto.<\/strong> Traditional financial transactions leave a lot of data behind that can be traced. On the other hand, gift cards and cryptocurrency are difficult to track which is why criminals use them.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adopting a fake pet scams.<\/strong> Aspiring dog parents looking to adopt may stumble upon a fake pet adoption posting like a puppy scam in the Facebook Marketplace. People looking to pay for specific breeds may pay for a pet before they see it themselves, opening the door for scams and fraud.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Using fake products to receive customer\u2019s private information<\/strong>. Sharing your financial information with the wrong person can lead to devastating losses. Some fake products can be used to receive a customer\u2019s private financial information which they will then use for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/online-blackmail\/what-to-do-if-you-are-being-extorted-online\/\">online extortion<\/a> or fraud.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-platform-specific-product-scam-examples\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Platform-Specific_Product_Scam_Examples\"><\/span>Platform-Specific Product Scam Examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are different scams that can be found on every social media platform. However, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) are some of the most popular platforms for scams. Here is a breakdown of how to approach the four different platforms when it comes to scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-facebook-marketplace\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Facebook_Marketplace\"><\/span>Facebook Marketplace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like any market, Facebook Marketplace is full of scams from buyers and sellers. Facebook allows for anyone with an email to create an account, page, or make a listing on the marketplace. However, the platform allows users to connect on the marketplace through proximity which means buyers can verify the product in-person before paying for it.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shipping scams.\u202f<\/strong>A scammer will never ship an item you paid for, and sometimes will even create fake shipping labels to trick you.\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overpayment scams.<\/strong>\u202fA buyer will send a seller more than the price of an item and request the seller to return the surcharge. Then, they file a chargeback to get their initial money returned \u2014 along with the surcharge.\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Faulty or counterfeit item scams.<\/strong>\u202fA scammer will sell an item that is broken or a cheaply designed imitation for more money than it\u2019s worth.\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Car scams.<\/strong>\u202fFake car listings can be a ruse to trick you into clicking a malicious link, steal your money online, or sell you a faulty car without your knowledge.\u202f\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rental scams.<\/strong>\u202fFake rental properties are abundant on Facebook. Some will trick victims into sending a security deposit or requesting a fee to simply view the property.\u202f\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Puppy scams.<\/strong>\u202fThe scammer will post about a puppy litter on Facebook and will pose as a breeder or rescue shelter. They will avoid meeting in-person but will agree to shipping the puppy through freight or courier. However, the puppy doesn\u2019t exist, and they will continue to milk money from you with additional fees.\u202f<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-instagram\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Instagram\"><\/span>Instagram<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instagram may not have a marketplace, but they do have influencers and online shops. Influencers have a lot more credibility on Instagram because of the visual nature of the platform. Scammers can impersonate an existing influencer or create a fake profile from scratch. After they gain a following, they can begin luring their followers into a scam. Here are a few common scams to look out for on Instagram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Customer support <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/software\/phishing-attack-repsonse\/\">phishing scam<\/a>.<\/strong> Instagram users will receive a message from fraudsters posing as customer support. The message will be urgent like a \u201cSuspicious activity alert\u201d or \u201caccount deletion imminent.\u201d However, the scammers are tricking victims into clicking on a malicious link in a panic.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/romance-scams\/\">Romance scams<\/a>.<\/strong> Scammers use a fake profile to build a romantic relationship with a victim in direct messages. After the criminal builds trust with the victim, they will claim they need financial help or will demand a gift for validation of the relationship.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brand collaboration scams.<\/strong> Targeting influencers, scammers will pose as brands and present profiles with a partnership proposal. If accepted, the perpetrator requests payment for partnership fees to continue forward.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-snapchat\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Snapchat\"><\/span>Snapchat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Scams on Snapchat are typically sophisticated, using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/social-engineering\/\">social engineering<\/a> and phishing tactics to lure unsuspecting victims into giving away valuable information. Snapchat may be a less popular social media platform than Facebook or Instagram but the scams are just as dangerous. The scams can even descend into life-altering territories like\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/online-blackmail\/what-to-do-if-someone-blackmails-you-on-snapchat\/\">Snapchat extortion<\/a>. Here are a few scams to watch out for on Snapchat.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/software\/report-bitcoin-cryptocurrency-scam\/\">Catfish scams<\/a>.<\/strong>\u202fA scammer will pose as a public figure on Snapchat and then message strangers as that persona. This could lead to a romance scam, a phishing link, or even Snapchat extortion.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Notification phishing scam.<\/strong>\u202fPosing as Snapchat IT support, the criminal will send the victim an email notifying them of a new message on their account or an urgent matter. The link, however, will direct the user to a malware-infested site.\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fake product scams.<\/strong>\u202fUsing Snapchat\u2019s advertising or through fake profiles, a scammer will promote a fake product with the purpose of gathering private financial information from victims.\u202f<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-x-formerly-twitter\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"X_Formerly_Twitter\"><\/span>X (Formerly Twitter)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyone with an email can create a X account. On top of that, enrolling in X Premium (Twitter Blue) gives scammers more visibility than the usual platforms. Bots on X are also egregious and plentiful in their attempts to scam users. If you plan to use X, here are a few more scams to look out for.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fake giveaways.<\/strong>\u202fGiveaways asking users to retweet, follow, or provide personal details are common on X. However, some of these giveaways are used to lure users into clicking a phishing link.\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/cyber-security\/bitcoin-scam\">Crypto scams<\/a>.<\/strong>\u202fCrypto bots have flooded X with offers that are too good to be true, giveaways, and posing as legitimate companies. These are all used by scammers to trick users into sending crypto or to capture your private information.\u202f<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-identify-a-fake-or-fraudulent-online-store\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Identify_a_Fake_or_Fraudulent_Online_Store\"><\/span>How to Identify a Fake or Fraudulent Online Store<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"identify-fake-online-store\">\n\n\n\n<p>The main way to combat the surge of fake product scams is to quickly identify the scams on social media. No matter the platform that you use, these red flags will help you find and avoid scams online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unrealistically low prices.<\/strong>\u202fIf it\u2019s too good to be true, stay cautious. An extremely low price can be used to draw in as many potential victims as possible.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Poor-quality websites with missing contact details.<\/strong>\u202fMost reputable sellers will have websites that provide basic contact information and details about the product.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limited or no return policies.<\/strong>\u202fFor online products, businesses provide a grace period for consumers to make sure the product is what they expected. Limited or no return policies are peculiar and a sign that the seller may not have the best intentions.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pressure tactics urging immediate purchase.<\/strong>\u202fReputable sellers will work with a consumer to complete the purchase. However, a scammer will get impatient and may use aggressive tactics to expedite your purchase.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strange payment methods (no PayPal, credit card, or escrow services)<\/strong>.\u202fAs we mentioned before, traditional payment methods are easily traceable. A strange payment method may be a sign that this is a scammer.\u202f<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-to-do-if-you-encounter-an-online-shopping-scam\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Do_If_You_Encounter_an_Online_Shopping_Scam\"><\/span>What to Do If You Encounter an Online Shopping Scam<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"deal-with-shopping-scams\">\n\n\n\n<p>If you have encountered a fake product scam or already made a purchase, you must act fast to preserve your finances or private information. Here are a few steps to take immediately when it comes to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/online-blackmail\/social-media-blackmail-scams\/\">social media scams<\/a>.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do not engage further with the scammer<\/strong>.\u202fYou should stop replying to their messages when you realize they are a scammer. However, do not delete any correspondence. The messages you have are evidence that may advantageous in the future.\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Report the ad\/seller to the social media platform<\/strong>.\u202fReporting social media scams is important. The seller may be removed which can prevent others from becoming their victim.\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alert your bank or payment provider if a transaction has occurred<\/strong>.\u202fBanks are generally required to refund unauthorized transactions. However, if you willingly send money to the scammer, it will depend on the policy of your bank or provider.\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure your network<\/strong>. Use heightened security settings on your online accounts. Update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if you haven\u2019t already. Check for any unauthorized sessions and run reputable malware scanning software.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Share awareness in community groups to warn others<\/strong>.\u202fSpread the word with as many people as possible to reduce the scammer\u2019s ability to lure unsuspecting victims. You can also encourage your close friends or family to report the account as well.\u202f<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/contact-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dont-Pay-Blackmailers-Call-To-Action-1024x256.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dont-Pay-Blackmailers-Call-To-Action-1024x256.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dont-Pay-Blackmailers-Call-To-Action-300x75.png 300w, https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dont-Pay-Blackmailers-Call-To-Action-768x192.png 768w, https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dont-Pay-Blackmailers-Call-To-Action-512x128.png 512w, https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dont-Pay-Blackmailers-Call-To-Action-920x230.png 920w, https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dont-Pay-Blackmailers-Call-To-Action.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-report-online-shopping-scams\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Report_Online_Shopping_Scams\"><\/span>How to Report Online Shopping Scams<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reporting a scam is essential to get the perpetrator removed from the platform. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X have simple reporting systems in place to capture scams. You can use the following instructions to report a scam on any of the four platforms.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-facebook\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Facebook%E2%80%AF\"><\/span>Facebook\u202f<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit\u202fFacebook Marketplace.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find the product.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the three dots.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select \u201cReport.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose \u201cScam.\u201d\u202f<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-instagram-0\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Instagram%E2%80%AF\"><\/span>Instagram\u202f<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to the product page.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the three dots.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose \u201cReport this listing.\u201d\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select a reason and follow the prompts.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit the profile of the seller.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the three dots.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select \u201cReport\u201d and follow the prompts.\u202f<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-snapchat-0\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Snapchat%E2%80%AF\"><\/span>Snapchat\u202f<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to the public profile.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the three dots.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select \u201cReport.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose the appropriate reason and follow the prompts.\u202f<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-x-formerly-twitter-0\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"X_Formerly_Twitter-2\"><\/span>X (Formerly Twitter)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to the post or profile.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the three dots.\u202f<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select \u201cReport.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose \u201cSpam.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your report is added to an automated review process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-prevent-and-avoid-online-shopping-scams\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Prevent_and_Avoid_Online_Shopping_Scams\"><\/span>How to Prevent and Avoid Online Shopping Scams<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"prevent-online-shopping-fraud\">\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to online shopping fraud, you have to do your due diligence. Don\u2019t rush to buy a product without verifying the seller through the official brand store or investigating their business to find anything suspicious. Here are a few more tips to spot online shopping fraud.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Read reviews from third-party sources<\/strong>.\u202fReviews on the website provided by the seller or the social media platform aren\u2019t the most reliable. Instead, look to other websites and third-party sources for authentic experiences.\u202f<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use secure payment methods with fraud protection<\/strong>.\u202fDigital wallets like Apple Pay protect users from online shopping fraud with tokenization which replaces sensitive information that\u2019s provided in an online payment with a one-time use \u201ctoken.\u201d<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid clicking on suspicious links from unknown accounts<\/strong>.\u202fAlways verify links before clicking on them. You can hover over the link to see the destination URL or use URL checkers to see if there are any red flags.\u202f<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-help-from-digital-forensics-corp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_Help_from_Digital_Forensics_Corp\"><\/span>Get Help from Digital Forensics Corp<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Staying vigilant on social media and assuming a product could be a scam will allow you to approach every seller carefully and will reduce the likelihood of falling for a scam. Unfortunately, there are people who have fallen victim and suffered financial losses because of these scams. However, there are experts that can help victims of social media scams.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Digital Forensics Corp., for example, is a cybersecurity firm that is well-versed in the ways of cybercriminals and uses the latest technology to help victims fight back against their attackers. Our digital investigators are well experienced in tracking digital footprints and revealing the identity of cybercriminals all around the world. If you have been a victim of social media or online shopping scams, contact <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/\">Digital Forensics Corp.<\/a> today for help.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq-about-online-shopping-scams\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_About_Online_Shopping_Scams\"><\/span>FAQ About Online Shopping Scams<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776454205924\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the common car sales scams?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Fake listings, payment redirection, and forged vehicle documents are common tactics used in car sales scams.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776454214816\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do online holiday shopping scams work?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Scammers exploit urgency, limited inventory claims, volume of shoppers, and seasonal discounts in online holiday shopping scams.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776454271249\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are mystery shopping scams?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Victims are paid with fraudulent or stolen funds and asked to return a portion of the funds.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776454287543\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the main signs of fake product scams?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The main signs of fake product scams are the unrealistic pricing, fake reviews, and undetectable payment requests.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1776454319495\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do eBay and Amazon sales scams work?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Fraudsters utilize compromised or hacked seller accounts and counterfeit listings to victimize the users of eBay and Amazon.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#webpage\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/\",\n      \"name\": \"Online Shopping Scams \u2013 How to Spot & Avoid Fake Product Scams\",\n      \"description\": \"Learn how to recognize, avoid, and report online shopping scams. 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Reputable sellers provide clear ways to get in touch.\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n          \"name\": \"Verify Return Policies\",\n          \"text\": \"Limited or non-existent return policies are a major red flag, as legitimate businesses offer a grace period for consumers.\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n          \"name\": \"Identify Pressure Tactics\",\n          \"text\": \"Watch for aggressive tactics or impatience from the seller urging you to complete a purchase immediately.\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n          \"name\": \"Review Payment Methods\",\n          \"text\": \"Be wary if a store refuses secure options like PayPal or credit cards in favor of untraceable methods.\"\n        }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowTo\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#deal-with-shopping-scams\",\n      \"name\": \"How to Deal with Online Shopping Scams\",\n      \"description\": \"Immediate steps to take if you have encountered a fraudulent seller or made a suspicious purchase.\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#deal-with-shopping-scams\",\n      \"step\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n          \"name\": \"Cease All Engagement\",\n          \"text\": \"Stop replying to the scammer immediately. 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padding:30px; border-radius:14px; max-width:950px; margin:20px auto; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #333;\">\n  <div style=\"display:flex; gap:30px; align-items: flex-start; flex-wrap: nowrap;\">\n\n    <div style=\"flex: 0 0 160px; text-align: center;\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/author\/visor\/\" style=\"text-decoration: none; border: none; display: block;\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Viktor-Sobiecki.jpg\"\n             alt=\"Dr. Viktor Sobiecki\"\n             style=\"width: 140px; height: 140px; object-fit: cover; border-radius: 50%; border: 1px solid #ddd; display: block; margin: 0 auto 12px auto;\">\n      <\/a>\n      <div style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.3; font-weight: 700;\">\n        Dr. Viktor Sobiecki<br \/>\n        <span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #666;\">Chief Technology Officer (CTO)<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div style=\"flex: 1;\">\n      <h3 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 800; line-height: 1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dr_Viktor_Sobiecki\"><\/span>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/author\/visor\/\" style=\"color: #002db3; text-decoration: none;\">\n          Dr. Viktor Sobiecki\n        <\/a>\n      <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n      <p style=\"font-size: 15px; color: #333; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 0 20px 0;\">\n        Currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Digital Forensics Corporation,\n        where responsibilities span the leadership of advanced cybersecurity initiatives,\n        data breach incident responses, and corporate strategic planning.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div style=\"display: flex; gap: 25px; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap;\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/certifications\"\n           style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; color: #002db3; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 700; font-size: 16px; border-bottom: 2px solid #002db3; padding-bottom: 2px;\">\n           <span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span> Certificate\n        <\/a>\n\n        <a href=\"tel:+18008496515\"\n           style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; color: #002db3; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 700; font-size: 16px; border-bottom: 2px solid #002db3; padding-bottom: 2px;\">\n           <span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">\ud83d\udcde<\/span> Call now\n        <\/a>\n\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/contact-us\"\n           style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; color: #002db3; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 700; font-size: 16px; border-bottom: 2px solid #002db3; padding-bottom: 2px;\">\n           <span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">\ud83d\udcac<\/span> Contact Us!\n        <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Online shopping&nbsp;scams&nbsp;are growing&nbsp;as&nbsp;more and more&nbsp;people opt to do their shopping over the internet. Social media is a perfect&hellip;","protected":false},"author":132,"featured_media":13794,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[773],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-10509","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-extortion","8":"cs-entry"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.6 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Online Shopping Scams: Spot &amp; Avoid Fake Stores &amp; Products<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to recognize, avoid, and report online shopping scams. 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With a background in communication and a deep understanding of online threats, Benjamin focuses on creating content that bridges the gap between a general unawareness of cyber threats and application of the best online safety practices. &#xa0; Expertise Benjamin\u2019s work centers around some of the most pressing and emotionally charged areas in cybersecurity today: \u2022 Data breach response and regulatory compliance \u2022 Legal protections against non-consensual image sharing (NCII) \u2022 Blackmail and sextortion response strategies \u2022 Victim-centered resources and education \u2022 Analysis of trending cybercrime tactics &#xa0; Role at Digital Forensics Corp. At Digital Forensics Corp., Benjamin plays a critical role in creating valuable educational content for victims, families, and corporate teams. He collaborates with cybercrime experts and legal professionals to ensure accuracy, and his work helps readers navigate crises with confidence. Benjamin\u2019s content has become a go-to resource for individuals facing cybercrime, and he has developed subject-matter depth in: \u2022 Sextortion and blackmail targeting minors and adults \u2022 U.S. and international legislation related to image-based sexual abuse \u2022 Incident response frameworks for individuals, families, and organizations under attack &#xa0; Notable Publications &amp; Projects \u2022 \u201cSextortion Targeting Minors: A Booklet for Parents\u201d \u2013 A parent-friendly resource on how to identify warning signs, talk to children at risk, and prevent manipulation by online predators. \u2022 LinkedIn Educational Campaign for IT Security Professionals \u2013 A content series exploring digital privacy law, NCII laws, and organizational incident response plans. \u2022 \u201cSextortion: A Comprehensive Guide\u201d \u2013 A long-form resource going through sextortion tactics, victim support organizations, and the value of cybercrime experts. &#xa0; Professional Values Benjamin believes digital safety content should be practical, empathetic, and transparent. His approach combines: \u2022 Insights from cybersecurity experts \u2022 Real accounts from cybercrime victims \u2022 Empirical data from industry research &#xa0; Education \u2022 B.S. in Communication and Media Studies Ohio University &#xa0;","url":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/author\/benjamin\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#faq-question-1776454205924","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#faq-question-1776454205924","name":"What are the common car sales scams?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Fake listings, payment redirection, and forged vehicle documents are common tactics used in car sales scams.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#faq-question-1776454214816","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#faq-question-1776454214816","name":"How do online holiday shopping scams work?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Scammers exploit urgency, limited inventory claims, volume of shoppers, and seasonal discounts in online holiday shopping scams.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#faq-question-1776454271249","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#faq-question-1776454271249","name":"What are mystery shopping scams?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Victims are paid with fraudulent or stolen funds and asked to return a portion of the funds.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#faq-question-1776454287543","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#faq-question-1776454287543","name":"What are the main signs of fake product scams?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The main signs of fake product scams are the unrealistic pricing, fake reviews, and undetectable payment requests.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#faq-question-1776454319495","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/fake-product-scam\/#faq-question-1776454319495","name":"How do eBay and Amazon sales scams work?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Fraudsters utilize compromised or hacked seller accounts and counterfeit listings to victimize the users of eBay and Amazon.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/132"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10509"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13795,"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10509\/revisions\/13795"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13794"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}